Everton have successfully launched their first test event at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Up to 10,000 supporters sampled the club’s future surroundings in the north Liverpool docks ahead of David Moyes’ side taking up residence this summer.
The Blues’ under-18 team took on their Wigan Athletic counterparts in a friendly as part of Monday’s occasion with the visitors running out eventual 2-1 winners.
Further test events are set to take place in the coming months with attendees in the 52,888-seat venue steadily increasing each time in the run-up to next season.
Everton’s U18 manager Keith Southern admitted that he was taken aback by the club’s new home despite his side slipping to defeat on the night.
“Incredible, it’s iconic,” he told Everton TV.
“The geography of it on the waterfront, but even looking beyond that, when you come inside, it’s got a real feel about it.
“I think the worry for some fans possibly might have been when you move away from Goodison, are you going to lose the atmosphere, the tightness from the stands to the pitch?
“But whoever’s designed it’s done a fantastic job because the stands are on top of you.
“When this is full next season, it’s going to be a hell of a place to play, and those players are going to be extremely fortunate to represent this football club in the Premier League here.”